What Is Hornby Dublo ?

When people ask ‘What is Hornby Dublo’ the original models from the 60s and 70s are mentioned.

Hornby Dublo was a range of model trains and railway accessories produced by the British company Meccano Ltd from 1938 to 1964. The name “Dublo” was derived from the fact that the range was built to a scale of 00 gauge, which is half the size of the larger O gauge model trains.

The Dublo range was particularly popular in the UK during the 1950s and early 1960s, and many enthusiasts still collect and run the models today. The Dublo range included locomotives, rolling stock, track, and accessories, and was known for its high level of detail and quality.

In 1964, Meccano Ltd was acquired by the Lines Bros Group, which merged Hornby Dublo with their own Tri-ang range of model trains. The resulting brand was called Tri-ang Hornby, and production continued until the late 1970s, when the company ceased trading.

Hornby Dublo models were made from a variety of materials, including die-cast metal, plastic, and other materials. The locomotives and rolling stock were typically made with die-cast metal bodies, while other parts such as wheels and couplings were often made of plastic.

The use of die-cast metal in Hornby Dublo models was one of the reasons why they were so popular and well-regarded among model railway enthusiasts. Die-cast metal is a durable and high-quality material that can be molded into intricate shapes and details, allowing for very realistic and accurate models.

It’s worth noting, however, that not all Hornby Dublo models were made entirely from die-cast metal, and some parts of the models may have been made from other materials. Additionally, there were some Hornby Dublo models that were made entirely from plastic, particularly in the later years of production.

What does Hornby Dublo mean?

The name “Hornby Dublo” was a combination of two different words. “Hornby” referred to the British company Hornby Railways, which was founded in 1901 and is known for producing a wide range of model trains and railway accessories.

Hornby Railways initially produced model trains in the larger 0 gauge scale, but in the 1930s, they began developing a new range of models in a smaller 00 gauge scale, which became the basis for Hornby Dublo.

The “Dublo” part of the name was derived from the fact that the new range was built to a scale of double “0” gauge, which is half the size of the larger 0 gauge model trains. This smaller scale allowed for more detailed and realistic models that could fit into smaller spaces.

So, Hornby Dublo essentially means “Hornby’s double-O gauge model trains.”

What is the difference between Hornby and Hornby Dublo?

The main difference between Hornby and Hornby Dublo is the scale of the model trains. Hornby originally produced model trains in the larger 0 gauge scale, which was popular in the UK in the early 20th century. In the 1930s, however, Hornby began developing a new range of models in a smaller 00 gauge scale, which became the basis for Hornby Dublo.

While both Hornby and Hornby Dublo are known for their high quality and attention to detail, there are several key differences between the two ranges. Hornby Dublo models were built to a scale of double-0 gauge, which is half the size of the larger 0 gauge models produced by Hornby. This smaller scale allowed for more detailed and realistic models that could fit into smaller spaces.

Another key difference is that Hornby Dublo models were produced using a different manufacturing process, with die-cast metal bodies that were often more detailed and realistic than the plastic bodies used in some Hornby models. Hornby Dublo also had a different range of locomotives, rolling stock, track, and accessories than Hornby, although there was some overlap between the two ranges.

Overall, Hornby and Hornby Dublo are both beloved and important brands in the history of model railways, each with their own unique features and characteristics.

Is Hornby Dublo the same as OO gauge?

Yes, Hornby Dublo is an example of an OO gauge model railway. OO gauge is a popular scale for model railways, particularly in the UK, and it represents a scale of 1:76, which means that models are built to a size that is approximately 76 times smaller than the real thing.

Hornby Dublo was one of the earliest and most popular examples of OO gauge model railways, and it helped to establish the scale as a standard for model railway enthusiasts in the UK.

The Dublo range included a wide variety of locomotives, rolling stock, track, and accessories, all built to the same scale and designed to work together seamlessly. Today, OO gauge remains one of the most popular scales for model railways, and it is used by many manufacturers to produce a wide range of models and accessories for hobbyists and collectors.

 

Dublo Have Made a Come back !

Hornby have recently decided to re-introduce the dublo range in superb di-cast models, exactly as they were between 1964 and the late 1970s. But this time, the newer Dublo range are even more detailed, brilliantly painted and of course ready be converted easily to DCC.

The newer Hornby Dublo models provide a level of authenticity and detail that has never been seen before, and will provide the operator with many years of enjoyment. They really are unique, and I think Hornby have made a really smart move here. The ‘Limited’ edition ‘Flying Scotsman’ dublo model is simply outstanding, and there are many more new Dublo models that are available.